I’ll admit it, I’m a little overly keen on stationery. And if I can combine that love with some favourite fabric choices, I’m even happier. So, after these first attempts I’ve been at it again, sewing more pencil cases for any and all who will use one; this time, with a little shameless branding included..
This June weather may not be inspiring the usual barbecues and beers, but I am enjoying these rainy days to get lost in books. I visited the British Library the other day, admired the King’s Library several storeys high, and wandered the main atrium filled with the noisy bustle of shuffled papers, stirred teacups and tapping keys.
Across the hall, I was lost in a far more ancient world of parchment and quill. In the dimly lit ‘Treasures’ exhibition I peered at the notebooks of Austen, Coleridge, Carter and Wilde and marvelled at the studied carefulness of their solitary work. The room was a heady mix of ancient maps, sacred texts, and mighty tomes. I love this collection of minds, these ideas bound in paper, filled with boundless possibilities.
You can keep your Kindle; these sheets of paper is where my heart lies.
Tom and I recently discovered Borthwood Copse, the remnants of an ancient woodland that covered most of the East of the Wight. Step a few feet in and you’re soon lost in the hundred hidden paths, big robin hood oaks and sense of its medieval past. This discovery has been a long time coming, considering we’ve lived on the Island for five years. We found it after mentioning our bluebell hunt to a true local, and this was his immediate suggestion. We were too late for the bluebells this year, but did find some great climbing trees and a few local residents.
There’s something about new babies that seems to get people knitting. Maybe the tiny size makes a project seem achievable, or maybe little ones just bring out the granny in us all. Certainly, knitting hats is always my quick and easy go-to baby gift. This works great, provided people have the good sense to have their babies in the winter. Come June, covering a little head in merino doesn’t seem such a great idea. So, inspired by this beautiful book (which is worth putting on your wish list right now) I attempted something a little more seasonal for my friend’s little chick. This bird doesn’t look quite delicate enough to fly, but the sentiment is there. Knitting hats is definitely easier.
The wind is so fierce, it’s howling down our chimney and whistling through the doors. Bright skies pull me outside, but these winds are more suited to a wander down the pier, than a cycle up a hill. After a few lungfuls of fresh air and some seriously knotted hair, I’m happy to return indoors, curl up with a book and enjoy the cosiness of this stormy weather.